The 3 Main Class Tracks of Hunters, Witches, and Psions: A Primer
There are 3 main types of directions your characters can go:
Hunter
Witch
Psion
Now, yes, everyone will still be a "Hunter" no matter the track you choose as long as you are "Saving people, hunting things, etc...". However, there are differences in these directions of tracks and what they offer and I will take a moment to explain them*.
*Please note* Currently, the witch track is locked. It is not available now, so if you want to go that way, you are just going to have to wait, sorry. For purposes of plot and game fun, this is something that needs to be introduced and not just, well, *ahem* "magically" appear as available. Just give it some time. All will be explained within game. So the explanation on Witches, for now, will be light and generalized. Otherwise we run the risk of spoilers and that's just not fun for anyone. Please bare with me.
Hunters
You are becoming a more badass Hunter. You're getting to the point where you've seen things and stuff - and lived to tell about it. Your combat skills are sharpening and you're ability to take on what goes bump in the night is growing. You are damn near becoming a one man army. However, having someone there who has your back is always a plus, and you are gaining the experience to truly know what's up. A good OOC way to look at it is this - You're gaining experience and growing into your own, much like Sam and Dean have. They are just badass Hunters and you're becoming one as well. You're making a name for yourself in the Hunter network and beyond. Now, Hunters do possess a variety of skills, and there will be a variety of ways to go on this track with Prestige Classes.
Witches
Human magic users (witches) are classified into 3 basic categories, with seldom exception. These categories are based on how they obtain their power and skills.
3 Basic Types: The Borrowers - The term "Borrower" is commonly used to define any person who has obtained their power through demonic forces. These witches are known to have summoned demons and made deals with them in exchange for power. While it is common for these witches to have traded their souls for power, it has been implied that not all Borrowers sell their souls, but rather promise the demon something else of value. These witches are very common and make up for more than half of the witchcraft community.
The Naturals - The term "Natural" is commonly used to define any person who has obtained their power from biological development. Not much is known about these witches apart from the fact that they are known to have been born with a natural affinity to the supernatural powers of the universe. These witches are very rare and make up for less than half of the witchcraft community.
The Students - The term "Student" is commonly used to define any person who has obtained their power through practice and training. While these witches are commonly known to have been taught about witchcraft from other witches, it has been implied that some Students are self-taught. These witches are less common than Borrowers, but more common than Naturals.
There are also different types of Magic that can be practiced. Usually Witches will know a variety of magic, but will never have access to all types, nor would they want to learn all types as many come with heavy price tags. The power of a witch is not only dependent on the source of their magic, but also on their knowledge and training in witchcraft. For example, although witches who obtain their power from demons (Borrowers) are generally more powerful than witches who obtain their power from study (Students), if a witch does not have much experience in witchcraft, they can be easily subdued. Furthermore, while some witches, such as Wiccans (True Wiccans, not just your average New Age Wiccan), have been known to provide laws for themselves and have strict convictions as to how magic should be used, most witches have been shown to have free will over their power, and have demonstrated extraordinary feats without necessarily having to draw from demons. Basically, there are a lot of variables that determine just how "powerful" a witch can be.
Also, students and borrowers, typically need a "Focus" item, which usually takes the form of a ring. This focus ring allows a witch to cast spells. Naturals do not need focus items as they are more naturally attuned to magic and casting.
Covens - A coven is a community of witches who commonly gather together for celebrations of holidays, ceremonies of worship, practices of witchcraft, and more. It takes three witches to form a coven.
All covens must have at least one or two leaders, known as the High Priest and/or High Priestess. These witches are accountable for a number a different responsibilities, such as creating the laws of their coven that every member must abide. Each coven has its own set of laws and punishments created by the leader(s) of that group. While some covens have only a few laws, others, have many. For example, in some covens consistently disobeying the rules that are handed down from the others can be cause for exile and having the user forbidden from further using magic.
Psions
Your group is one of the few that knows *anything* about true psychics, i.e. Psions and Psionics. It's some crazy stuff. Mainly because what little you know has come from visions and/or is being trained by a disembodied telepathic voice that's coming from an ancient crystal skull. Can it get weirder? Yes. Also, as Acuros will point out, the path of the Psion is not easy. It takes practice and dedication, along with an aptitude for the psychic arts. Now, those that truly wish to seek the psychic path, he can help. All you need to do is ask. He wants to see if flourish and is ready to set people on the path.
A simple breakdown of the differences of Hunters, Witches and Psions and how they interact with each others abilities and items.
Cast Magic Spells or Create Enhanced Magic Potions
Cast Psionic Spells
Create Magic Items
Create Psionic Items
Hunter Track
Yes/No*1
Yes/No*2
Yes/No*3
Yes
No
No
No
No
Witch Track
Yes
Yes/No*2
Yes/No*3
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Psion Track
No
Yes
Yes/No*3
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
1) Magic items that require magic powering cannot be used by Hunters. Also, magic items that are made exclusively for Witches *may not* function or function properly for Hunters without some type of intervention.
2) Psionic Wands are items that can be used by non-psionics. These are used for the purposes of activating Psionically Imprinted Tattoos from Battleminds.
3) Use of artifacts main depends on the type of artifact. So are straight forward and only intended for Psions, Witches, etc. Others are more generalized. Even still, others are just down right weird and may not adhere to any specific set of rules.
There are 3 main types of directions your characters can go:
Hunter
Witch
Psion
Now, yes, everyone will still be a "Hunter" no matter the track you choose as long as you are "Saving people, hunting things, etc...". However, there are differences in these directions of tracks and what they offer and I will take a moment to explain them*.
*Please note* Currently, the witch track is locked. It is not available now, so if you want to go that way, you are just going to have to wait, sorry. For purposes of plot and game fun, this is something that needs to be introduced and not just, well, *ahem* "magically" appear as available. Just give it some time. All will be explained within game. So the explanation on Witches, for now, will be light and generalized. Otherwise we run the risk of spoilers and that's just not fun for anyone. Please bare with me.
Hunters
You are becoming a more badass Hunter. You're getting to the point where you've seen things and stuff - and lived to tell about it. Your combat skills are sharpening and you're ability to take on what goes bump in the night is growing. You are damn near becoming a one man army. However, having someone there who has your back is always a plus, and you are gaining the experience to truly know what's up. A good OOC way to look at it is this - You're gaining experience and growing into your own, much like Sam and Dean have. They are just badass Hunters and you're becoming one as well. You're making a name for yourself in the Hunter network and beyond. Now, Hunters do possess a variety of skills, and there will be a variety of ways to go on this track with Prestige Classes.
Witches
Human magic users (witches) are classified into 3 basic categories, with seldom exception. These categories are based on how they obtain their power and skills.
3 Basic Types:
The Borrowers - The term "Borrower" is commonly used to define any person who has obtained their power through demonic forces. These witches are known to have summoned demons and made deals with them in exchange for power. While it is common for these witches to have traded their souls for power, it has been implied that not all Borrowers sell their souls, but rather promise the demon something else of value. These witches are very common and make up for more than half of the witchcraft community.
The Naturals - The term "Natural" is commonly used to define any person who has obtained their power from biological development. Not much is known about these witches apart from the fact that they are known to have been born with a natural affinity to the supernatural powers of the universe. These witches are very rare and make up for less than half of the witchcraft community.
The Students - The term "Student" is commonly used to define any person who has obtained their power through practice and training. While these witches are commonly known to have been taught about witchcraft from other witches, it has been implied that some Students are self-taught. These witches are less common than Borrowers, but more common than Naturals.
There are also different types of Magic that can be practiced. Usually Witches will know a variety of magic, but will never have access to all types, nor would they want to learn all types as many come with heavy price tags. The power of a witch is not only dependent on the source of their magic, but also on their knowledge and training in witchcraft. For example, although witches who obtain their power from demons (Borrowers) are generally more powerful than witches who obtain their power from study (Students), if a witch does not have much experience in witchcraft, they can be easily subdued. Furthermore, while some witches, such as Wiccans (True Wiccans, not just your average New Age Wiccan), have been known to provide laws for themselves and have strict convictions as to how magic should be used, most witches have been shown to have free will over their power, and have demonstrated extraordinary feats without necessarily having to draw from demons. Basically, there are a lot of variables that determine just how "powerful" a witch can be.
Also, students and borrowers, typically need a "Focus" item, which usually takes the form of a ring. This focus ring allows a witch to cast spells. Naturals do not need focus items as they are more naturally attuned to magic and casting.
Covens - A coven is a community of witches who commonly gather together for celebrations of holidays, ceremonies of worship, practices of witchcraft, and more. It takes three witches to form a coven.
All covens must have at least one or two leaders, known as the High Priest and/or High Priestess. These witches are accountable for a number a different responsibilities, such as creating the laws of their coven that every member must abide. Each coven has its own set of laws and punishments created by the leader(s) of that group. While some covens have only a few laws, others, have many. For example, in some covens consistently disobeying the rules that are handed down from the others can be cause for exile and having the user forbidden from further using magic.
Psions
Your group is one of the few that knows *anything* about true psychics, i.e. Psions and Psionics. It's some crazy stuff. Mainly because what little you know has come from visions and/or is being trained by a disembodied telepathic voice that's coming from an ancient crystal skull. Can it get weirder? Yes. Also, as Acuros will point out, the path of the Psion is not easy. It takes practice and dedication, along with an aptitude for the psychic arts. Now, those that truly wish to seek the psychic path, he can help. All you need to do is ask. He wants to see if flourish and is ready to set people on the path.
A simple breakdown of the differences of Hunters, Witches and Psions and how they interact with each others abilities and items.
2) Psionic Wands are items that can be used by non-psionics. These are used for the purposes of activating Psionically Imprinted Tattoos from Battleminds.
3) Use of artifacts main depends on the type of artifact. So are straight forward and only intended for Psions, Witches, etc. Others are more generalized. Even still, others are just down right weird and may not adhere to any specific set of rules.